Shingleback Skink
(Tiliqua rugosa)

Shingleback Skink have a heavy build with small legs and toes. Shingleback Skink also have the typical triangular blunt head of most other skinks. Shingleback Skinks are generally found in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and West Australia. They can get as large as 15 inches in length. Shingleback Skinks get their name from their large keeled scales. They are generally brown-black in color with lighter bands across the back. Recent research also suggests that the Shingleback Skink is monogamous.

Difficulty

NOVICE to MODERATE:Shingleback Skinks can make a good beginner pet. They do require specialized lighting however.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (10 gallons to 55 gallons or larger, depending on the size and number of Shingleback Skinks kept) with a secure lid with clamps

Substrate, such as:

• Aspen Shavings
• Newspaper
• Indoor/Outdoor Carpeting

A heating element, such as:

• UV producing bulb
• Incandescent heat bulb
• Ceramic infrared heat emitters

Enclosure

Hatchling Shingleback Skinks can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium, but adults should be housed in a 55 gallon larger sized enclosure if more than two Shingleback Skinks are kept in the enclosure. Shingleback Skinks are ground dwellers and do not need many rocks or branches to climb, but a hide box should be provided for your Shingleback Skink. A secured screen top is also needed for ventilation. Do not house two adult male Shingleback Skinks together as they are territorial and will fight for space in the enclosure.

Substrate

The substrate or bedding that you use is one of the most important parts of your Shingleback Skink's home, since your Shingleback Skink will be spending much of its time on it. Aspen shavings make an excellent substrate. Indoor/Outdoor carpeting can also be used as an effective substrate for your Shingleback Skink. Be sure to have at least two identical pieces so that you can simply place the clean piece of carpeting in the enclosure while you rinse and disenfect the soiled piece. You can then allow the newly cleaned piece of carpeting to dry for the next days use. It's important to note that you should completely rinse the carpet after cleaning it to be sure there is no residual chemicals remaining on the carpet that could irritate your Shingleback Skink. Other substrates such as newspaper or paper towels can also be used. Part of the enclosure can be covered with a slightly damp substrate like sphagnum moss to provide extra humidity to help with shedding.Be sure to clean it often to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Heating and Light

Shingleback Skinks should have daytime temperatures of 75°F to 85°F with a 90°F to 95°F basking area under a spotlight. Nightime temperatures should be 70°F to 80°F. Shingleback Skink require UV light for proper metabolic and bone development. This can be provided with fluorecent bulbs or mercury vapor spot lights which also provide heat. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures. We do not recommend the use of any kind of heat rocks as they can often lead to burns on your Shingleback Skink

Diet

Shingleback Skinks are omnivorous (eating both plant and animal matter). Shingleback Skinks do well on a a diet consisting of 60% plant material and 40% animal protein will provide a healthy mix. Frozen mixed vegetables, various greens, crickets, mealworms, and thawed pre-killed frozen mice can all be fed to your Shingleback Skink. Fresh water should be provided daily.